Home

Volume 1
James Baldwin reads from Another CountryJames Baldwin reads from Giovanni’s Room
William Styron reads from Lie Down in Darkness
James Jones reads from From Here to Eternity
Philip Roth reads from Letting Go

Volume 2
Nelson Algren reads from The Man With the Golden Arm
Bernard Malamud reads from The Magic Barrel
John Updike reads from Pigeon Feathers
James Jones reads from The Thin Red Line

Calliope Author Readings offers lovers of literature a rare and exciting opportunity to hear recordings of great American authors reading from their works. These readings of classic American literature, originally released in 1963 as 7 LPs to be sold in bookstores, are now available on CDs and as downloads.

Calliope began in the 1960s as a pioneering venture in the early days of literary recordings. With little more at their disposal than a passion for books, optimism and sheer nerve, three young entrepreneurs in Boston persuaded some of the most original 20th century American authors to read from their works.

The historic readings have been welcomed and praised in excellent reviews. The Boston Globe says that, “These recordings are powerful and important aside from their historical importance they are glorious to listen to.”. AudioFile Magazine comments: “What a treasure it is to have some of modern literature best authors reading from their most renowned works.”. From noted critic John Ciardi: “The readings are superb”.

The unique audio book readings, from 14 to 24 minutes long, are now available to a brand new audience as CDs and downloads. The nine selections are collected in two volumes, which can be ordered separately or as individual downloads.

In Volume 1 of Great American Authors Read From Their Works, James Baldwin reads from Giovanni’s Room and Another Country; William Styron reads from Lie Down in Darkness; James Jones reads from From Here to Eternity and Philip Roth reads from Letting Go.

In Volume 2 of Great American Authors Read From Their Works, Nelson Algren reads from The Man With the Golden Arm; Bernard Malamud reads from the Magic Barrel; John Updike reads from Pigeon Feathers; and James Jones reads from The Thin Red Line.